Norfolk studio to rival Pinewood and Elstree after £5m investment

Cromer, lit up for the filming of BBC ident Wonderland. Picture: JOHN NIELD (Image: Archant)

Raynham Hangar Studios is set for a major refurbishment and expansion programme to target the high-end TV and film market.

It means that top film and TV stars from across the globe could soon be welcomed in north Norfolk.

A three-year programme of improvements will include production offices, costume and make-up facilities, art department, and construction workshops, starting early next year.

The existing 50,000 sq ft studio space served as the base for Joanna Hogg's film The Souvenir in 2017, and production of The Souvenir Part 2 was completed there this summer.

Studio director Crispin Buxton's recent credits include Danny Boyle and Richard Curtis Yesterday. This picture shows Ed Sheeran and Mr Boyle at the Gorleston Palace cinema for the local premiere of the film Yesterday. Picture: DENISE BRADLEY

The main 45,000 sq ft hangar was used to build sets and also served as the main film school set for the film. Additional buildings on the base were used for other sets as well other locations within 40 minutes of the base.

Meanwhile, a 'village' of units are also being made available for TV and film-related business to locate at the former airbase.

Independent Grip, Dave Price Rigging, Norfolk Film Transport and Midas Generators are already committed to the project.

The site was acquired by a new private owner this year. The £5m investment includes the cost of acquiring the wider site.

Studio director Crispin Buxton's recent credits include Joanna Hoggs The Souvenir. Cast members and extras begin arriving on the set of Souvenir II at the Majestic Cinema in King's Lynn. Picture: Chris Bishop (Image: Archant)

Studio director Crispin Buxton said the aim was to create a sustainable and thriving production community in Norfolk.

The news comes at a time of huge demand for production spaces in the UK, driven by the high-end drama boom.

Mr Buxton said: "This is a very exciting addition to the UK studio landscape at a time when UK studio space is at a premium. It is also hugely significant for the production sector as a whole in Norfolk and East Anglia.

"The Studios, and production base/village offers a financially attractive and efficient production model as evidenced by the successful Souvenir."

Raynham Hangar Studios. Pictures: courtesy Broadcast (Image: Archant)

His recent credits through his production services firm The Norfolk Film Company include Joanna Hogg's The Souvenir, Danny Boyle and Richard Curtis' Yesterday, Armando Iannucci's The Personal History of David Copperfield and BBC's 2018 Xmas ident Wonderland.

For more information visit https://www.broadcastnow.co.uk/tech/raynham-hangar-studios-wins-5m-investment-to-expand/5145380.article

Raynham Hangar Studios. Pictures: courtesy Broadcast (Image: Archant)

Raynham Hangar Studios. Pictures: courtesy Broadcast (Image: Archant)

Raynham Hangar Studios. Pictures: courtesy Broadcast (Image: Archant)

Cast and attendees during The Personal History of David Copperfield premiere at the London Film Festival. Picture: Ian West/PA Wire (Image: PA)